5 Best Restaurants in Scottsdale Right Now

Take a stroll down Scottsdale Road and you’ll come across many of the restaurants that have helped put the Valley’s dining scene on the map. Old Town Scottsdale is, without a doubt, a top destination for both tourists and local foodies. Having said that, looking just beyond the confines of that crowded dining scene will allow you to experience some of the neighborhood’s real gems. From restaurants that embody the true essence of the local dining trends, to spots revitalizing the fine-dining experience, Scottsdale offers some must-see and must-experience restaurants that are guaranteed to satisfy your palate. Let’s take a look.

Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen

6114 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Sure, while hotel restaurants don’t generally garner a reputation for culinary ingenuity, Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa break this mold. Complete with a fun, yet refined menu, this restaurant is home to a charming dining room that boasts plush designer chairs, a classic u-shaped bar, and an edgy kitchen framed by floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The true attraction here, however, is chef Adam Sheff’s menu, which artfully combines distinctly local ingredients and flavors into a traditional canvas of high-end resort dining. Some of the marquee dinner items include a whole roasted chicken paired with a dark, earthy adobo sauce and bone-in pork shank with a simple black bean puree. You also won’t want to miss out on the Sonoran risotto, which is made with local wheat berries, wild rice, and quinoa.

Citizen Public House

7111 East Fifth Avenue, Scottsdale

Whether you’re looking for an amazing meatloaf or the perfect salad, Citizen Public House in Old Town Scottsdale will be sure to satisfy your craving. An upscale gastropub, Citizen Public House takes American classics and puts a modern, creative twist on them to create real classics. Some of these classics include pork belly pastrami that’s both smoky and salty, as well as a chopped salad that’s so well known it has garnered its own Facebook page. Citizen Public House boasts a comfortable and stylish dining room in the middle of a four-sided bar. Whether you’re coming here for a date or just a few drinks, this is one location you won’t want to miss.

El Hefe Super Macho Taqueria

4425 N Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale

El Hefe Super Macho Taqueria is not your average taco joint. Just ask Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group and owner of this newly established restaurant. Sure, they serve up delicious little tortillas full of flavor, but they also boast the best Happy Hour, Tortas and Beer-Garitas. You might just have to try it to decide for yourself. How would someone describe El Hefe? Think Dia de Los Muertos – but with style. Have you ever tried a beer-garita? Come in, be charmed and leave full. At El Hefe, they dish up all kinds of tacos, including Pork al Pastor, Braised Beef, Chicken, Carne Asada and more.

They don’t stop there – you can also add in an entrada (appetizer), torta or finish off the meal with a dulce (dessert). Furthermore, El Hefe has some of the best Margaritas ever sipped. Grab one, or a beer-garita, frozen marg, or a delicious beer of your choice.

After being shut down for four months, the Taqueria reopened after New Year’s Eve. The renovations included a contemporary look complete with digital LED walls and digital menu boards. The restaurant and bar have garnered numerous awards since opening in 2011.

Virtu Honest Craft

3701 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale

Since opening in 2013, Virtu has truly become both a local and national dining destination. After being featured on Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants” list just a few months after opening, it also garnered a James Beard Award nomination in 2014 for “Best New Restaurant.” While the food is simple, it leaks with Mediterranean passion and inspiration. Chef Gio Osso turns desirable ingredients like Spanish octopus and locally grown produce into plates that both look and feel elegant. For brunch, which Virtu serves every day, you can count on delectable crepes and cast-iron frittatas.

FnB

7125 East Fifth Avenue, #31, Scottsdale

There is absolutely no doubt that FnB has embodied the spirit of culinary buzzwords “seasonal” and “local.” Chef Charleen Badman has a real knack at turning simple, local produce into a spread that’s both comfortable and delicious. With an international flare, Badman has created a menu that evolves and changes, but almost always includes dishes such as pristinely-roasted locally raised chicken and Swiss chard falafel. The best part of all – the service is always friendly, and the restaurant’s Arizona-focused wine list gives frequenters an opportunity to explore what the state has to offer.